The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) invites applications for the 2026/27 cycle of the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) grant programme, supporting impactful projects within the cultural and creative industries. The MGE Open Call is a competitive grant mechanism that offers financial support to large and medium-scale initiatives that drive job creation, stimulate economic activity, and enhance cultural life across South Africa.
Application Window
Opens: 5 December 2025, 12h00
Closes: 30 January 2026, 17h00
Implementation Period
All supported projects must be implemented between May 2026 and February 2027.
Available Grant Streams
1. Cultural and Creative Industries Projects (CCIPs)
This workstream supports initiatives that generate employment and promote the consumption of cultural goods and services.
Eligible disciplines include:
Performance and Celebration: Theatre, Musical Theatre, Opera, Dance, Community and Modern Music (e.g. amapiano, kwaito), Traditional Music, Comedy, Poetry, Storytelling, Technical Services
Visual Arts and Crafts
Books and Press
Design and Creative Services
Audio-Visual and Interactive Media (excluding production/post-production film work)
Grant ceiling: Up to R2 million per beneficiary, subject to DSAC discretion.
Selection priorities:
Implementation-readiness and quality programming
Proven job creation potential—especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities
Strong collaboration across institutions and community-based entities
Economic impact at local and district levels
Diversity, inclusion, and innovation
2. Touring Ventures
The Touring Ventures stream supports the national and international presentation of existing cultural products to expand market access for South African creatives.
Targeted ventures:
International Touring of performance, visual arts, literature, design, and AV media (excluding film production)
National Solo Tours in music, dance, visual arts, fashion, etc.
Grant ceiling: Up to R1 million per beneficiary, subject to DSAC discretion.
Key requirements:
Must present an existing viable, market-ready cultural product
Clear artistic track record and touring plan
For international tours: a formal invitation letter from the host institution
For national tours: detailed portfolio with evidence of critical acclaim and commercial success
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the DSAC MGE platform:➡️ https://nac.praxisgms.co.za
Note: Only complete submissions will be considered. All applicants must comply with the funding guidelines and provide relevant supporting documentation. No applicant is automatically entitled to funding.
For further information or to request manual application materials, contact the DSAC MGE team directly or visit www.dsac.gov.za.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.